Today we’d like to introduce you to James Clarkston.
Thanks for sharing your story with us James. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was originally inspired to pick up the guitar by the rock group KISS. I got a blue Warlock electric guitar for my birthday, and learned lots of Rock songs. It was in college that I fell in love with Classical & Flamenco Guitar. I was teaching guitar lessons out of home when one of my students mentioned giving my info to a doctor who was looking to book a soloist for a wine tasting party. I got the gig and it was then that I realized that people will pay music for good quality music. I starting playing for corporate events, weddings, fund raisers, etc.
One day, a couple asked me if I had a cd for sale, and I said no. They told me that if I had one they would buy it. So, I found a studio to record in and made CDs. Almost 20 years later, I have recorded 12 CDs, & had my original song “Dos Guitarras” played on the popular radio show Coast to Coast AM. My music has been in several tv and radio commercials as well as in documentaries. I have performed for celebrities like Debbie Reynolds, Magic Johnson, and News Anchor Sam Donaldson. I am most proud of having performed for Ex-President George H. W. Bush and Former First Lady Barbara Bush by special invitation… I was the opening act for the famous guitar duo Strunz & Farah at The Coach House Concert Hall in San Juan Capistrano, Orange County in May 2017.
Before moving to San Diego three years ago, my wife Mel and I owned Clarkston Art Guitars & Gifts in El Paso, TX. We sold my wife’s Art and sold Guitars, taught Music and Art lesson as well. We also sold lots of fun retro candy. I love to run and take pictures by the beach and find so much inspiration for my music living be the ocean. I am also in a rock band called James and The Deal Junkies that is recording our first cd in the Spring. Currently I teach all styles and levels of Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Banjo, Mandolin, Harmonica and Music Theory at La Jolla Music. I perform for private events, restaurants and resorts. I love what I do. Music is my life, and I am living the dream. I am very excited about performing more in 2018!
Has it been a smooth road?
Every field presents challenges and obstacles… However, those in the music field are rather unbelievable. For starters I can’t stand the attitude that so many so called professional musicians have about playing for free! The way I see it, professional means getting paid.
Another problem is the glut of buskers, open mics and “jam sessions”. All of the above contribute to the perception that music is not worth paying for. That harms all musicians.
The biggest obstacle to what I do is ironically booking agents. When I first moved to San Diego I got acquainted with a local agency that got me a couple of gigs that went well. One day my phone rings and the guy is furious that I sold CDs and took a picture with “his” clients.
Before I could even get one word in edgewise, he declared that we will never be able to work together again and hung up on me. Wow!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am most proud of being able to entertain 500 seat concert halls as well as small house parties. I have music that reaches all ages and tastes. I love taking any song and making it my own instrumental guitar style.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think things are only going to get better! The younger generation that is 8-12 years old now is much more interested in guitar driven music than Millennials. I think that Instrumental Guitar Music is on its way to the top!
Pricing:
- Guitar Lessons $35 per half hour
- Group Classes $80 per month
- Booking $100 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jamesclarkston.net
- Phone: (858) 412-9307
- Email: jcsguitar@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Guitarist
- Other: https://youtu.be/XLdn4z2jfVo
Image Credit:
James Clarkston
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
